Combined gas inlet conduit and electrode for liquid conveying apparatus



P 27, 1956 c. LOVELESS 3,275,021

COMBINED GAS INLET GONDUIT AND ELECTRODE FOR LIQUID CONVEYING APPARATUS Original Filed Jan. 29, 1962 V IL 5 [HQ 34 24 w 4 I A V 40 E; 20 42 55 52 iz 47 M My N 47 i 5i L/AZI F522.

United States Patent O 3,275,021 COMBINED GAS INLET CONDUIT TRODE FOR LIQUID CONVEYING APPARATUS Compare Loveless, Overland Park, Kans., assignor to Union Tank Car Company, a corporation of New Jersey Continuation of application S'en'No. 169,449, Jan. 29, 1962. This application Feb. 10, 1964, Ser. No. 343,816

11 Claims. (Cl. 137-209) AND- ELEC- This application is a continuation of my application electrode extending into a material receiver to be en- 'gaged by the material when the latter reaches a predetermined aocumulation. Upon contact of the electrode by the material, the control circuit. is closed through the material from the electrode to the grounded walls of the receiver to thereby eflect introduction of pressurized fluid into the receiver to force the material out of the same.

Heretofore difliculties have been encountered with electrodes employed for the purposes specified because of rapid deterioration of the electrodes and the tendency for some material to cling to each of the electrodes and make contact with the wall of the respective receiver to hold the control circuit closed even after the initial accumulation of material in the receiver has been forced therefrom by the pressurized fluid. This problem has the problems set forth, but they have been generally unsuccessful or have led to other problems which detracted from the overall successful operation of the apparatus. Specifically, attempts have been made to prevent the clinging of material to the electrode by directing air onto the electrode to clean the material therefrom following contact therewith by the material. Although the air usually was successful in cleaning the electrode, it was necessary to have an air nozzle. mounted in. the receiver directed toward the electrode or to mount the electrode in the conduit for conveying pressurized fluid 7 from the small electrode caused -a relatively short life,

to the electrode tip because -of electrolysis which occurred to plate out certain elements from the material as deposits on the electrode. t

Accordingly, it is the primary object of the present invention to provide electrode structure which may be maintained in a clean condition by the flow of pressurized fluid into the material receiver, yet not being subject to the disadvantages mentioned above.

Another important object, and in the achievement of the foregoing object, is the provision of tubular electrode 9 3,275,021 Patented Sept 27, 1966 provision of electrode structure having a relatively large surface to be engaged by the material so that the current density on the electrode is kept to a minimum to retard the effects of electrolysis on the electrode and thus increase the useful life thereof.

Another object of this invention is the provision of an electrode having replaceable material-engaging com 'ponents so that the electrode structure can be quickly and easily restored to original effectiveness after deterioration has occurred.

A still further object of the instant invention is the provision of electrodestructure which can be conveniently cleaned with a brush or the like without the necessity of removing the structure from its installed'position.

Yet another object of the invention is to eliminate the necessity for separate electrode and fluid introduction components in the apparatus so that substantial savings 'may be effected in both cost and required space- V In the drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of material-handling apparatus incorporating electrode structure embodying the principles of the instant invention; and

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, elevational view. of

the electrode structure with parts broken away and appearing in cross section to reveal details of construction.

Briefly, this invention relates to an electrode for sensing a predetermined accumulation ofmaterial in a receiver and for initiating a subsequent handling operation through the closing of a normally open electrical control circuit. The electrode comprises an elongated tube of electrically conductive material extending into the receiver in a position to be engaged by the material. I The electrode is insulated from the receiver by a jacket of electrically nonconductive protective material and is electrically coupled -with one side of the control circuit. A source of pressurized fluid is coupled with the receiver for use in the handling operation through the tubular electrode bymeans .mounted on the material receiver. A replaceable'tip at the end of the electrode structure permits ready replacement when the original tip becomes deteriorated from use.

The novel electrode structure of the present invention show in detail in FIG. 2 and broadly designated-10 is particularly adapted for use'with material-handling apparatus broadly numerated 12 and illustrated in FIG. 1. Apparatus 12 comprises structure for handling material such as sewage, and includes an inlet 14 adapted to be coupled to a source (not shown) of material for gravitation through inlet 14, past gate valve 16, check valve 18 (shown only schematically), through a T section 20 and into a closed-material-receiving receptacle 22 through an inlet pipe 24. The latter is in communication with a material discharge pipe 26 through a check valve 28 and a second gate valve 30. In addition to receptacle 22, apparatus 12 includes an upper, open top chamber. 32, and a closed middle compartment 34. A removable cover 36 is disposed to close chamber 32.

Structure 10 extends through compartment 34 and into receptacle 22 and comprises an elongated, tubular electrode 38 of electrically conductive material having an outer coating or sleeve 40 of electrically nonconductive material such as a synthetic resin. .A thermoplastic'resin such as a heat-shrinkable vinyl material is suitable for this purpose inasmuch as it may be disposed around electrode 38 and subjected to heat treatment causing the coating 40 to shrink and adhere quite closely to the outer. surface of electrode 38. The end of electrode 38 which extends into receptacle 22 through a wall 42 comprising the bottom of compartment 34 and the top of the receptacle 22, is internally threaded and complementally receives a tubular tip element 44 also of electrically conductive material. Preferably, coating 40 extends slightly beyond the end of electrode 38 and over the outer surface of element 44 as shown in FIG. 2. p

The electrode structure extends from within receptacle 22 entirely through compartment 34 and beyond the upper'wall 46 thereof and into chamber'32 as shownin FIG. 1. The structure 10 is carried by wall 42 by means 7 of coupling apparatus 47 and including an upwardly ex-. tending, cylindrical flange 48 surrounding an aperture 49 in wall 42 through which structure 10 passes. Flange48 is rigidly secured to wall 42 by any suitable means such as by welding and has an enlarged section 50 thereof having a threaded outer surface and a generally'frustoconical, relatively smooth inner surface 52 of greatest diameter at the outer margin thereof remote from wall 42.

An 'annular member 54 of compressible material having a rim section 56 of generally, triangular, transverse cross section, has its outer surface shaped to complementally engagetthe inclined inner surface 52 of enlarged section 50, and has a generally dome-shaped portion 58 disposed T 92, pipe 90, the valve body of valve 74, andlpipe. 88 g of certain switching components (not shown) in switch !box 72 tocffect electrical operation ofvalve 74L: Valve 74 is shifted -to terminate the normal communication'of receptacle 22' to the atmosphere through electrode 38,

and to place compartment 34" into communication" with receptacle 22. Acsupplyof pressurized fluid whichilis normally maintained within, compartment 34 by means of compressor 84, :is permitted to flow through pipe .78,

valve 74,nipple 90, T 192, electrode 38, tip 44 and into 1 receiver 22 to forcibly eject the material therefrom that has accumulated in the .same with the material being forced from receptacle 22 through pipe 24,1pa'st'check valve 28 and through outlet pipe 26' to a' sewage ,dis-' charge line or the like; When receiver 22 has been to be engaged by the concave inner surface 60 of a cupshaped coupler broadly designated 62 in FIG. 2..

Coupler. 62 is provided with a threaded ,inner'surface ithreadably engaging the outer surface of enlarged section 50 and is provided with an irregular outer surface 64 suitably configured to receive a tool for turning coupler 62. The rotation of coupler 62'to tighten the latter on flange 48, squeezesmember 54 between'surface 52 and.

coupler 62 to force the inner surface of member 54 into tight frictional engagement with sleeve 40 on structure 10 and to thereby secure the latter in place.

from within receptacle 22 for a purpose to be made clear hereinafter.

Coupling apparatus 66 secured to wall 46 and identical with apparatus 47, cooperates with the latter in supportingstructure 10.- Thus, apparatus 66 provides a fluidtight seal to permit structure 10 to pass through wall 46 without the possibility of the escape of fluid from compartment 34. i v i A'contact 68 connected to electrode 38'extends out- 7 wardly through coating 40 and is adapted to be electrically coupled to a switch box 72 by a line 70 shown in- FIG. 1. Switch box 72 is connected to a source of power Also, member 54 serves as a fluid-tight seal to prevent the flow of fluid,

emptied of material, valve 74 may be shifted through the operation of a timer, within switch lbox 72 ,;to its normal position, again placing nipple 90 in communication with pipe 88 for communicating receiver 22 with the atmosphere and preventing the. flow of pressurized fluid fro compartment 34 into electrode 38.

The tubular construction of electrode 38 permits the utilization of the latter for the dual purpose of serving as a conductor in the electrical control circuit,-and for conducting the fluid intoreceptacle 22. Any tendency V possible through the use of a tubular electrode, minimizes,

of particles in the material to cling to the electrode'following engagement thereof by the material, is overcome by the force of the compressed fluid passing through electrode 38 during the ejection cycle. fluid as it enters the receptacle 22 through electrode 38, quite effectively cleans the material from the latter. This avoids a build-upof'material on the electrode or the clingingof'material' to the electrode in bridging relationship-to the latter and the sidewall of receptacle 122-1 7 which :Would prevent reopening of the control circuit and thereby change of condition of the valve 74.

The relatively large surface area of tip element 44 made the current density on such surface when current is flow- 'ing through the control circuit, and accordingly, greatly reduces the accumulation ofvdeposits on the element from the material because of the electrolysis which takeplace during current flow. This greatly increases the usable life of the tip elements. Additionally, the releasable attachment of element 44 to electrode 38, permits ready replacement of the elementwithout the necessity for. com- I plete replacement of the electrode when the element 80. A pipe 88 connected to valve 74 and extending 1 out of compartment 32 communicates-the receptacle 22 with the atmosphere when the valve 74 is at one position thereof, while'a nipple 90'communicates valve 74 with structure 10 through a T 92, as shown in FIG; 1, or

able the upwardly extending opening thereinwhich is normally closed by a plug 96.- Both T 92 and elbow 94 '90 with structure 10. However, it may be desirable in some instances, to utilize T 92 in order to have availare preferably constructed fromelectrically nonconduc- -tive material such as polyvinyl chloride or the like for a purpose to be made clear hereinafter.

has deteriorated through use.. 7

A further and very important advantage accrues through the use. of novel'electrode structure of this invention. Should the surface at the, end of electrode' 38 become fouled or coated sch-that electricalcurrent can? not fiowthroug'h the control circuit when the material physically contacts theelectrode, the material: will merely. rise in thetubular electrode until it reaches a .clean portion of the surface. When the material reaches the clean portion, electrical contact is established betweentheeleccontrol circuit and initiate the emptying of the receiver.

Thus, the tubular configuration of electrode 38 presentstrode and the material to close the a substantially unlimited amount of available electrode surface to which the material will ,-be conducted; if the marginal surface of the electrode becomes fouled. This completely eliminates the possibility of failure of the material-handling'apparatus to go through itsejection cycle because of deposits or coatings on the electrode The blast of such 1 surface. The utilization of T 92 or elbow '94 of electrically nonconductive material, insulates electrode 38 from the other metallic components of the apparatus but permits fluid coupling of electrode 38 for the purpose of admitting compressed fluid into receiver 22.

serves to protect the latter and to electrically isolate electrode 38 from walls 42 and 46, Additionally, coating 40 further serves to prevent any inadvertent contact be tween electrode 38 and other components of the apparatus.

Electrode structure may be shifted upwardly or downwardly to vary the degree of extension of electrode 38 into receptacle 22 by the simple expedient of loosening 7 coupling apparatuses 47- and 66 to permit the shifting of structure 10 either upwardly or downwardly. Apparatuses 47 and 66 may then be again tightened to cited a fluid-tight seal on compartment 34.

Although electrode structure 10 of this invention is 1 shown in connection with its. installation on sewagehandling apparatus, there is no intention to limit its use for such purposes. On the other hand, it will be readily understood that electrode structure 10 will have particularly advantageous utilization in any installation where it is necessary to have a material-sensing electrode to be engaged by the material and where it is desired to introduce fluid into a material container.

Although only one embodiment of the invention has been illustrated, those skilled in the art will realize that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention, and,

' it is intended that the appended claims cover all equivalent" ramifications thereof.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In apparatus for pneumatically conveying liquid material containing surface-adhering psolids, such as sewage and the like, comprising: i

(A) an electrically grounded receptacle for-accumulating said material and-having a material inlet and a material outlet;

(B) a source of pressurized gas and a gas inlet conduit to said receptacle for ejecting said material through said outlet;

(C) an electrical circuit comprising a source of electrical energy, an electrode for sensing a predetermined level of said material, and electrically energized means for controlling flow of said pressurized gas; and

(D) the improvement wherein said gas inlet conduit and electrode are combined to comprise:

(1) hollow tubular means including an electrically, conductive end extending into said recept-acle,

(2) means electrically insulating said end from said receptacle,

(3) means connecting the interior of said hollow tubular means to said source of pressurized (4) said hollow tubular means having an interior If a T 92 is used as shown in FIG. l, additional cleaning operacircuit bygrounding through material above said predetermined level contacting an electrode surface, defined by the interior of said end, of suflicient area to increase the life thereof by promoting low current density.

2. In apparatus for pneumatically conveying liquid material containing surface-adhering solids, such as sewage and the like, comprising:

(A) an electrically'grounded receptacle for accumulating said material and having a'material inlet and amaterial outlet; i

(B) a source of pressurized gas and a gas inlet conduit to said receptacle for ejecting said material through said outlet;

(C) an electrical circuit comprising a source of electrical energy, an electrode for sensing a predetermined level of said material, and electrically energized means for controlling flow of said pressurized (D) the improvement wherein said gas inlet conduit and electrode are combined to comprise:

(1) hollow tubular means of electrically conductive material having an end extending into said receptacle, (2) means electrically insulating said hollow tubular means from said receptacle, (3) means connecting the interior of said hollow tubular means to said source of pressurized (4) said hollow tubular means 'having an interior diameter large enough to admit pressurized gas into said receptacle at a rate sufficient to eject said material from said apparatus, said pressuri'zed gas also serving to remove adhering solids from said hollow tubular means, and (5) means electrically connecting the interior of said hollow tubular means to said circuit so as to complete said circuit by grounding through material above said predetermined level contacting an electrode surface,'defined by the interior of *said end, of suflicient area to increase the life thereof -by promoting low current density.

' 31in apparatus for pneumatically conveying liquid material containing surface-adhering solids, such as sewdiameter large enough to admit pressurized.

gas into saidrecept-acle at a rate sufiicient to (5) means electrically connecting the interior of said end to said circuit so as to complete said age and the like, comprising: a:

(A) an electrically grounded-receptacle for accumulating said material and having a material inlet and a material outlet;

(B) a source of pressurized gas and a gas inlet conduit to said receptacle for ejecting said material through said outlet;

(C) an electrical circuit comprising a source of electrical energy, an electrode for sensing a predetermined level of said material, and electrically energizedmeans for controlling flow of said pressurized (D) the improvement wherein said gas inlet conduit and electrode are combined to comprise:

(1) hollow tubular means of electrically conductive material having an end extending into said receptacle, said end being separable from the remainder of said hollow tubular means so as to be replaceable on deterioration thereof,

(2) means on the exterior ofsaid hollow tubular means electrically insulating same from said receptacle, A

(3) means connecting the interior of said hollow tubular means to said source of pressurized gas,

(4) said hollow tubular means having an interior diameter large enough to admit pressurized gas into said receptacle at a rate sufiicient to eject said material from said apparatus, said pressurized 'gas also serving to remove adhering .solids from said hollow t'ubul'ar means, and

(5) means electrically connecting the interior of said hollow tubular means to said circuit so as to complete said circuit by grounding through material above said predetermined level contacting an electrode surface, defined by the interior of said end, of suflicient area to increase the life thereof by promoting low current density.

4. In apparatus for pneumatically conveying liquid material containing surface-adhering solids, such as sewage and the like, comprising: a

(A) anelectrically grounded receptacle for accumulatingsaid material and having a material inlet and a material outlet; (B) a source of pressurized gas and a gas inlet conduit to said receptacle for ejecting said material through.

said-outlet; g (C) an' electrical circuit comprising a source of electrical energy, an electrode for sensing a predetermined level of said material, and electrically energized means for controlling flow of said pressurized (D) the improvement wherein said gas inlet conduit and electrode are combined to'comprise:

(1) hollow tubular means of electrically conductive material having an end extending into said receptacle,

(2) means electrically insulating said hollow tubular means from said receptacle,

(3) means connecting the interior of said hollow "tubular means to .said source .of pressurized (4) means electrically connecting the interior of ,said hollow tubular means 'to said circuit so as to complete said circuit by grounding through material above said :predetermined level contacting an electrode surface defined by the interior of said end, and

(5) a portion of said hollow tubular means outside of said receptacle having an access opening permitting cleaning of'solids adhering to the'interior of said end without entering said receptacle.

5. The invention defined in claim 4 wherein said tubular means issubstantially straight between said access opening and said end. V

6. The invention defined in claim 4 wherein said tubular member is generally vertical and said access opening extends upwardly.

7. In apparatus for pneumatically conveying liquid material containing surface-adhering solids, such as sewage and the like, comprising:

(A) an electrically grounded receptacle for accumulating said material and having a material inlet and a material outlet;

(B) a source of pressurized gas and a gas inlet conduit to said receptacle for ejecting said material through said outlet;

(C) an electrical circuit comprising a source of electrical energy, an electrode for sensing a predetermined level of said material, and" electrically energized means for controlling flow of said pressurized gas;

(D) theimprovement'wherein said gas inlet conduit and electrode are combined to comprise: (1) hollow tubular means of electrically conductive material having an end extending into said receptacle,

(2) means electrically insulating said hollow tubular means from said receptacle,

(3) electrical insulating means covering the en- 'tire exterior of said end inside said receptacle, (4) means connecting the interior of said hollow tubular means to said source of pressurized gas, and (5) means electrically connecting the interior of said hollow tubular means to said circuit so as and the like, comprising:

' to complete said circuit by grounding through material above said predeterminedlevel-contacting an electrode surface defined by the interior (D) the improvement whereinsaid gas inlet conduit and electrode are combined to comprise; I

(1) downwardly extending hollow tubular means of electrically conductive material having an end passing through said upper wall and into said' a receptacle,

(2) means electrically insulating said hollow tubular means from said receptacle,

(3) means connecting the interior of said hollow tubular means to said source of pressurized'gas, and v '(4) means electrically connecting the interior. of said hollow tubular means to said circuit so as to complete said circuit by grounding through material above said predetermined level contacting an'electrode surface defined by the interior of said end, the interior of said hollow tubular means above said wall being an extension of said electrode surface, whereby malfunctioning of said apparatus caused by solids adhering to said end is prevented by liquid rising to a clean area on said extension.

9. In apparatus for pneumatically conveying liquid mal terial containing surface-adhering solids, such as sewage (A) an electrically grounded receptacle for accumulating said material andhaving a material inlet and a material outlet;

(B) a source of pressurized gas and a gasiinlet conduit to said receptacle for ejecting said material through said outlet;

(C) an electrical circuit comprising a source of "ele'ctrical energy, an electrode for sensing-a predetermined level of said material, and electrically energized tubular means to said source of pressurized gas, 7

and U (5) means'electricallyconnectirrg the interior of said hollow tubular means to said'circuit so as to'complete said circuit by grounding, through material above said predetermined level con-,

tacting an electrode suIface defined by the interior of said end, the interior of said hollow tubular, means ,above said end being an extension of said electrode surface, whereby malfunctioning of said apparatus caused by solids -adher-ing to the interior of said end is prevented by liquid rising to a clean area on said extension.

10. In apparatus for pneumatically conveying liquid material containing surface-adhering solids, such as sewage and the like, comprising:

(A) an electrically grounded receptacle for accumulating said material and having a material inlet and a material outlet;

(B) a source of pressurized gas and a gas inlet conduit to said receptacle for ejecting said material through said outlet;

(C) an electrical circuit comprising a source of electrical energy, an electrode for sensing a predetermined level of said material, and electrically energized means for controlling flow of said pressurized (D) the improvement wherein said gas inlet conduit and electrode are combined to comprise:

(1) hollow tubular means of electrically conductive material having an end extending into said receptacle, said end being separable from the remainder of said hollow tubular means so as to be replaceable on deterioration thereof,

(2) means on the exterior of said hollow tubular means electrically insulating same from said receptacle,

(3) electrical insulating means covering the entire exterior of said end inside said receptacle,

(4) means connecting the interior of said hollow tubular means to said source of pressurized gas,

(5) means electrically connecting the interior of said hollow tubular means to said circuit so as to complete said circuit by grounding through material above said predetermined level contacting an electrode surface defined by the interior of said end, and

(6) a portion of said hollow tubular means outside of said receptacle having an access opening permitting cleaning of solids adhering to the interior of said end without entering said receptacle, said tubular means being substantially straight between said access opening and said end.

11. In apparatus for pneumatically conveying liquid material containing surface-adhering solids, such as sewage and the like, comprising:

(A) an electrically grounded receptacle for accumulating said material and having a material inlet and a material outlet;

(B) a source of pressurized gas and a gas inlet conduit to said receptacle for ejecting said material through said outlet;

(C) an electrical circuit comprising a source of electrical energy, an electrode for sensing a predetermined level of said material, and electrically energized means for controlling flow of said pressurized 5 (D) the improvement wherein said gas inlet conduit and electrode are combined to comprise:

(1) generally vertical hollow tubular means of electrically conductive material having an end extending into said receptacle, said end being separable from the remainder of said hollow tubular means so as to be replaceable on deterioration thereof,

(2) means electrically insulating said hollow tubular means from said receptacle,

(3) electrical insulating means covering the entire exterior of said end inside said receptacle,

(4) means connecting the interior of said hollow tubular means to said source of pressurized gas,

(5) said hollow tubular means having an interior diameter large enough to admit pressurized gas into said receptacle at a rate suificient to eject said material from said apparatus, said pressuri'zed gas also serving to remove adhering solids from said hollow tubular means,

(6) means electrically connecting the interior of said hollow tubular means to said circuit so as to complete said circuit by grounding through material above said predetermined level contacting an electrode surface, defined by the interior of said end, of sufficient area to increase the life thereof by promoting low current density, the interior of said hollow tubular means above said end being an extension of said electrode surface, whereby malfunctioning of said apparatus caused by solids adhering to the interior of said end is prevented by liquid rising to a clean area on said extension, and

(7) a substantially straight portion of said hollow tubular means outside of said receptacle having an upwardly extending access opening permitting cleaning of solids adhering to the interior of said end without entering said receptacle.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS so WILLIAM F. ODEA, Primary Examiner.

ALA'N COHAN, Examiner. 

1. IN APPARATUS FOR PNEUMATICALLY CONVEYING LIQUID MATERIAL CONTAINING SURFACE-ADHERING SOLIDS, SUCH AS SEWAGE AND THE LIKE, COMPRISING: (A) AN ELECTRICALLY GROUNDED RECEPTACLE FOR ACCUMULATING SAID MATERIAL AND HAVING A MATERIAL INLET AND A MATERIAL OUTLET; (B) SOURCE OF PRESSURIZED GAS AND A GAS INLET CONDUIT TO SAID RECEPTACLE FOR EJECTING SAID MATERIAL THROUGH SAID OUTLET; (C) AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT COMPRISING A SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY, AN ELECTRODE FOR SENSING A PREDETERMINED LEVEL OF SAID MATERIAL, AND ELECTRICALLY ENERGIZED MEANS FOR CONTROLLING FLOW OF SAID PRESSURIZED GAS; AND (D) THE IMPROVEMENT WHEREIN SAID GAS INLET CONDUIT AND ELECTRODE ARE COMBINED TO COMPRISE: (1) HOLLOW TUBULAR MEANS INCLUDING AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE END EXTENDING INTO SAID RECEPTACLE, (2) MEANS ELECTRICALLY INSULATING SAID END FROM SAID RECEPTACLE, 